First-Time Voters Swell Turnout at Silver Spring Precinct

New voters appeared to be contributing to the unusually long line at Eastern Middle School in Silver Spring, where the wait had been as long as 2 1/2 hours. Even the traditional pre-lunch lull had a wait of 1 1/2 hours.

"Getting voters processed has taken longer than usual," said James Quinn, precinct chief at the school. We've had a number of issues at the registration desk" because of the large number of new voters.

"This is the first time I've ever had to stand in line more than five minutes here," said Matthew Esibe, who said he has voted in the Silver Spring precinct for 10 years.

Anna Sommers, a Democratic precinct chair, said she had met many first-time voters in line.
"I'm a little bit worried," Sommers said. "This is a very long line for people who have to work."

Sommers said she worked with poll workers to arrange for disabled voters to wait indoors because of the chilly temperatures.

-- Steve Hendrix